After more than three years since his last visit to Manila, Korean rapper B.I (Hanbin) returned and met Filipino fans at his solo event on Aug. 27.
He held his “1st Fanmeeting In Manila” at the New Frontier Theater with two shows in one day, the first at 1 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m.
“Hello, Philippines. It’s really good to see you guys again. I love you,” B.I greeted fans.
He said that Manila was his last stop in his tour, saying, “It’s been really a long time since I had an international tour. It’s been a long time since I’ve met you but I look forward to having fun and excitement.”
In preparing for his first fan meeting in Manila, B.I said, “Of course this is my first fan meeting that I am alone. While I was preparing with my team, we have analyzed and tried to brainstorm a lot on how to show a new side of me.”
When asked about what he wanted to do in the Philippines, he said, “Of course, the Philippines is known for vacation places and I want to try Filipino food. I searched last night and I saw ‘adobo.’”
At the fan meeting, B.I. performed his songs including “Waterfall,” “Illa Illa,” “Lover,” “Flame,” “BTBT,” “Cosmos,” “Re-Birth” and “Remember Me.” The songs are from his albums “Cosmos” and “Waterfall,” which were released last year.
B.I. also had fun playing games like “What’s in the box?” where he tried feeling and guessing items including the fruit “guyabano” (soursop) and “pamaypay” (fan).
“First of all, it’s been a very long time. Thank you so much for waiting for me. And I’ll make sure to come back here. Please wait for me,” he said.
“Despite the time, thank you very much for coming here and enjoying. And I really hope I’ll be able to see you again,” he said.
Filipino fans prepared a special video to welcome back B.I and show the projects they did to celebrate his birthday and accomplishments.
“Days, weeks, years passed by. Are we fated to meet again? We know how hard you try to find your way back to us like a flower getting blown by the wind,” according to the video.
The fans added, “And we are finally here. We finally crossed the rough road. In this new road that we're gonna take, we promise to hold your hands tighter.”
“Because no matter what road you take, Filipino IDs will be with you. There's no need for you to find us because we will always come to you first. But thank you for finding your way back to us,” they said.
B.I announced that “my next album’s release is nearing. I really did my best so I hope you guys can look forward to it.”
“I really had fun,” said B.I about meeting Filipino fans. “Thank you everyone. Salamat. I am happy that I was able to spend a very good time with you guys.”
The “1st Fanmeeting In Manila” was presented by Three Angles Production.